This is book #5 of the Kate Marshall series. Whilst it is part of a series it can be read as a standalone book, although I would recommend reading the books in series order for better understanding of the storyline. The storyline takes us back to 1988 when teenage Janey Macklin goes missing. Fast forward thirty years, and we find Kate and Tristan, her partner in their Private Investigator business, asked to look into Janey's cold case for a potential podcast story. The investigation takes Kate back to London, where she was a young police officer many years before. She also discovers that Peter Conway, her former boss, lover and the notorious Nine Elms Cannibal may have been involved in Janey's disappearance.

I've read every book of this series, and whilst they were all great, this one was definitely my favourite so far! I like Kate's character and despite all the problems she's had in her life, she seems the strongest and most settled that we've seen her - that is until Peter Conway comes back into her life again. I love her relationship with Tristan and they work so well together in this book. Tristan is definitely becoming more confident as an investigator as the series goes on. The storyline flowed along well, setting the scene in the seedier areas of London's King Cross both in 1988 and thirty years on. I loved the locations in London and found the differences over the years really interesting.

The storyline twists and turns while they try to work out what happened to Janey. There are plenty of suspects and scenarios to ponder over and I was kept in suspense before the big reveal. I loved having Peter Conway back, despite him being the epitome of evil who sent shivers down my spine every time. The tension throughout was kept high and the investigation is definitely fast paced with plenty of surprises. This author is definitely one of my favourites, and every book he writes is amazing - this one is no exception! A brilliant read which will keep you hooked until the very last page. Would definitely recommend.

I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. This is book five in the Kate Marshall series and they just continue to get better with every one. The characters are so believable and the story kept me gripped, I recommend this series to all readers.

My Thoughts /

First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Raven Street Publishing, and author Robert Bryndza, for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for July 11, 2024.

Don't you just hate it when you get your Erika Fosters and your Kate Marshalls mixed up?? NO? Must just be me then. This is what happens when I am not up to date on my series reading. Or maybe because I'd not long finished Lethal Vengeance (Erika Foster #8) and she was still in my mind. But no matter, because I quickly refocussed and was on the right path…err, girl. Anyway, thankfully both of Bryndza's Erika Foster series and his Kate Marshall series make high star reading.

The Lost Victim follows two timelines:

It was 1988, when a then young girl by the name of Janey Macklin went missing just before Christmas. She was last seen in King's Cross on December 23, getting into the van belonging to a guy called Robert Driscoll. Driscoll was tried and convicted for her murder in 1989; however, Janey Macklin's body has never been found. At the time, Kate Marshall was just a young police detective.

2018, 30 years later, and there's been a lot of water flow under the metaphorical bridge. Kate Marshall is no longer in the police force. She has now partnered with Tristan Harper and together they run a small private detective agency in Thurlow Bay. The agency has been struggling a little of late, so when they receive a call from someone at the Stafford-Clarke Literary Agency with an offer of a job, it sees them on a trip to London. The Agency is researching and investigating the disappearance of Janey Macklin some thirty years ago with the intention of turning it into a true crime podcast. They want to hire Kate and Tristan to gather the much-needed background information and research into the cold case of the missing teenager. The Agency's podcast producer has also posed an intriguing line of investigation - what if Janey Macklin was killed by Peter Conway?

Peter Conway was an ex-police detective who served multiple life sentences for the murder and mutilation of five young women in and around the Nine Elms area of South London. Kate, who was then a young police detective, had worked out that the reason the Nine Elms Cannibal, (as he became known in the press), had evaded the police for so long was because he WAS the police. To muddy the waters further, Kate had been having an affair with Peter Conway when she cracked the case. Aye yai yai!

What is it about this author's writing that can keep a reader's eyes glued to every page? Maybe it's the bright, capable, intelligent, strong female mc? Maybe it's the well-developed cast of supporting characters? The well plotted, fast paced storyline? Or how he can manage to create a sense of the reader 'belonging' in the picture through well written descriptive text? Maybe, it's because of the suspense - from the beginning until the end, the story twists, turns, zigs and zags. Or maybe, it's just all the above? Either way, all I know, is that I was thoroughly engaged from start to finish and I loved every tense, nail biting moment.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Raven Street Publishing for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

#TheLostVictim #NetGalley

The Lost Victim, the fifth installment in Robert Bryndza's Kate Marshall series, delves into a cold case from the seedy underbelly of London, intertwining past horrors with present-day intrigue. The narrative begins with the mysterious disappearance of schoolgirl Janey Macklin in 1988, a case that went cold with no body or witnesses. Fast forward thirty years, and private detective Kate Marshall is approached by a true crime podcast producer with a tantalising question: could Janey have been a victim of the infamous Nine Elms Cannibal, Peter Conway?

Bryndza excels in creating a tense and atmospheric thriller. The portrayal of Peter Conway is particularly gripping; he is a truly terrifying antagonist whose presence looms large over the narrative, even in his weakened state. The author skillfully keeps the reader guessing until the very end, with twists and turns that ensure the story never becomes predictable.

Compared to the previous book in the series, The Lost Victim stands out with its compelling plot and intricate character development. The dynamic between Kate and Tristan is as strong as ever, and their dedication to uncovering the truth adds depth to the story.

One of the highlights of Bryndza's writing is his ability to craft complex, engaging mysteries that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The idea of a crossover between Kate Marshall and Erika Foster, another of Bryndza's beloved characters, is an exciting prospect that fans of both series would undoubtedly love to see.

In conclusion, The Lost Victim is a thrilling addition to the Kate Marshall series, showcasing Robert Bryndza's talent for creating suspenseful, multi-layered stories. It is a must-read for fans of the series and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted mystery. Thanks to NetGalley for providing an early release copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you so much for the ARC of this book

Robert Bryndza is one of my favourite authors. I totally devoured this book . Could not put it down

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read "The Lost Victim" by Robert Bryndza.
Book 5 of the Kate Marshall series will keep you in suspense from beginning right until the end, with it's twists and turns and zigs and zags.
The Nine Elms Cannibal is on his deathbed, and Kate and Jake are torn as to how to react. But, could Peter Conway confess to one final murder? Detectives Kate and Tristan would certainly like to close out this part of their lives.
When a cold case from 1988 is re-opened, Kate Marshall and her detective partner Tristan are brought in by a group who are attempting to
'create content' (i.e. podcast, true crime novels, etc) surrounding the disappearance and presumed murder of fourteen-year-old Janey Macklin just before Christmas that year. One potential suspect was tried and acquitted, but does HE know what the truth is?
Knowing that solving this case would be a boost not only to their business, but their coffers, the detectives turn to every possible potential clue/witness from those days.
Continuing the Kate Marshall series from it's inception (the nail-biting Nine Elms), Robert Bryndza does not disappoint! You'll not be able to stop turning pages until the very end.
Highly recommended - can be read as a standalone, but really, the entire series is worth your time. You won't be disappointed.

This was a gripping read, I thought the characters were intriguing and I'm going to keep an eye out for more from this author.

Thank you Raven Street Publishing and Netgalley for another amazing read from Robert.
I have now read all of the Kate Marshall novels and I think this was one of my favourites (I grew up in London)
The storyline was different and just kept moving.
This is the most recent in a great series - please keep writing.
Maybe Erika and Kate could be in a joint story one day - just a suggestion.
If you haven't started this series you must.

Another fabulous read by Robert Bryndza !

Kate and Tristan are back, this time looking for a missing girl Janey, presumed dead but her body was never found. Compelling read, so much so, I read it in 2 days.

Highly recommend.

My thanks to NetGalley and Raven Street Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy in return for an honest review.

When school girl Janey Macklin disappeared from the seedy side of London in 1988, her case went cold, with no body and no witnesses. Now, thirty years later, private detective Kate Marshall has been approached by a true crime podcast producer with an intriguing question they need her help answering: What if Janey was killed by Peter Conway, the notorious Nine Elms Cannibal?

Even though this is book five in this series it can easily be read as a standalone. Once again another book from this author where you turn page one over and then the next thing you know you are finished. A well thought out story that takes us on a fast paced course to solving the murder of this young girl that for so many years had remained a mystery.

As much as I miss Erica, Kate is a well developed character with a go get it attitude and a steely resolve to a find a result in this case while working along side her partner in crime, Tristan A strong plot that is enhanced by a great cast of supporting characters and the return of Peter Conway move the story along brilliantly and once again you are trying to work out the final result. Suspence, twists and turns along the way will keep you thoroughly engaged throughout this entertaining thriller.

This writer never gets old and I am always very excited when I see a new book from him. Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.

Private Investigators Kate and Tristan return for book 5! Financially struggling, the duo accept a commission for a cold case. A ‘creative agency’ has plans to develop a true crime book or podcast about a young girl who went missing just before Christmas 1988. The person considered responsible was jailed, but released 8 years later, after an appeal was filed and successful. The agency is linking the unsolved disappearance/murder to the Nine Elms Cannibal, a monster that Kate knows only too well, hence their approach.

I really enjoy this couple and each story just gets better and better. Fast paced, good plot, a few twists, all with two great protagonists.

Already looking forward to the next offering, Bryndza never lets his readers down!

Thank you NetGalley and Raven Street Publishing.

Another excellent unputdownable book by Robert Bryndza featuring Kate Marshall who was a policewoman but now a private detective with her partner Tristan. This novel begins with them being given a job investigating a missing girl named Janey Macklin. Enjoyed every minute spent reading this book and would recommend it to anyone who likes a good murder mystery which keeps the reader guessing to the final pages.

Love love loved this book! This series just keeps on getting better and i am a sucker for a cold case story. Just brilliant!!!!!#TheLostVictim #NetGalley

Robert Bryndza does it again! Book five in the Kate Marshall series. Fast paced and suspenseful. If you are looking for a new series, try this one. You will not be disappointed.
Robert Bryndza draws you in at the beginning of each book. His books are hard to put down.
The characters of Kate and Tristan are ones that you will enjoy and root for. You will not be disappointed!

Thank you to NetGalley, Robert Bryndza and ravenstreet publishing for a copy of this book to read and post an honest review.

All Robert’s book should come with a warning …don’t start to read if you’ve got things planned! They are all so gripping from the first word to the very end, life just gets in the way of a cracking good story that you won’t want to put down

This latest kate Marshall book is no different, it’s great to see her character developing but it can easily be read as a stand alone…. You will want to go and read the previous books though!

It’s another one that stays with you so when the next one comes along you won’t have to try to remember what happened. Can’t wait for the next instalment!!

Thank you to Netgalley the author and publishers for an arc in exchange for an honest review

A cold case from 30 years before is what Kate and Tristan investigate in this book. Will Jenny be found and her killer exposed? Read the book to find out. I love everything this Author writes. Thanks to NetGalley, Raven Street Publishing and the Author for allowing me to read and review this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.

Private detectives, Kate and Tristan, are hired to look into the cold case of the disappearance of a young girl. The production company hiring them have links to the case and are not declaring all! Along side this, Kate’s ex, father to her son, ex police offer and murderer Peter is dying and may know about the case she is working.

So much going on in this book. Such a sad tale of a young girl going missing. Kate and Tristan were as always, the dynamic duo. Love how well they work together, despite being very different. The production company characters were very dislikable. This was important for the storyline so worked well.

I enjoyed this and look forward to the next one.

The Lost Victim by Robert Bryndza is Book 5 in the Private Investigators Kate Marshall and Tristan Harper crime series. This is the storyline of Janet Macklin who disappeared in 1988 in what was then the seedy side of London. Now thirty years later the private investigators are asked to look at the cold case.
Was Peter Conway, the notorious Nine Elms Cannibal , responsible for her murder or was it someone else? A gripping and well presented piece of investigation by the team and finally will Janey’s body be found?
A gripping read by the author and a well thought out explanation.
Highly recommended

A fabulous crime thriller.
I love Kate Marshall and Tristan Harper, they have such a great working relationship. Their agency is hired by a producer interested in making a true crime podcast about a missing young girl from the 80s.
It's an intriguing cold case, which happened in a seedy area of London. The area has been totally transformed over the years with not much of the old area left. A tangled web of lies from witnesses makes for a brilliant storyline. Peter Conway rears his head in this story, along with another notorious criminal.
With the setting of this crime being in London, the thought that Kate Marshall could work there again and maybe meet Erika Foster in the future is an exciting prospect.
I absolutely loved it!
Many thanks to the author and NetGalley for the early copy, I give my honest review.

Read this on holiday and I couldn't put it down. Brilliantly written as always and I think possibly my favourite of the series so far.
Best read as part of the series, but I think there is enough background included that it could be read as a stand alone.
Highly recommend